BBC World renews agreement with Arabsat

Arabsat and BBC World have signed a five-year agreement that will allow the channel to be broadcast on Arabsat 2D and its fourth-generation satellite Arabsat 4A.

Arabsat and BBC World have signed a five-year agreement. According to the agreement, BBC World will be broadcast on Arabsat 2D and its fourth-generation satellite Arabsat 4A, which is set for launch in late 2005. The digital distribution platform in Ku-band will allow BBC World direct access to the Middle Eastern and North African markets via Arabsat’s satellite fleet. “This is the result of the strong partnership we have developed with BBC World over the years,” says Eng. Khalid A. Balkheyour, CEO, Arabsat. “We are always keen to be the pioneer in serving our customers through the introduction and utilisation of state-of-the-art technologies in order to upgrade their performance and connect them with their users wherever they are.” Speaking about the agreement, Jeff Hazell, director of Sales and Distribution, BBC World, adds: “We are delighted to be renewing our long standing relationship with Arabsat. This agreement will ensure that BBC World is seen even more widely around the Middle East region, offering viewers the channel’s trusted output of balanced, accurate hourly bulletins and award-winning current affairs and documentary programming.”